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Ronaldo misses out as FIFA unveils World Cup Best XI

From The Punch · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • FIFA announced its 2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament, selected by fans, with Spain having the most players.
  • Key selections include Spain's Marc Cucurella, Pedro Porro, and Rodri; Argentina's Lionel Messi; and France's Kylian Mbappé.
  • Notable omissions include Cristiano Ronaldo, despite scoring three goals, as Portugal exited in the Round of 16.

FIFA has revealed the official 2026 World Cup Team of the Tournament, chosen by fan votes, highlighting Spain's championship victory with three players included. The team, presented in a 4-3-3 formation, features standout performers from seven nations across the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

FIFA has unveiled the official FIFA World Cup 2026 Team of the Tournament, selected by fans, with newly crowned champions Spain leading the way with three players in the Best XI.

— Article TextThis sentence introduces the main subject of the article: the announcement of the World Cup Best XI.

Spain's triumphant campaign earned defender Marc Cucurella, full-back Pedro Porro, and midfielder Rodri spots in the prestigious lineup. Runners-up Argentina are represented by captain Lionel Messi and defender Lisandro Martínez. France also secured three places with Golden Boot winner Kylian Mbappé, winger Michael Olise, and centre-back Dayot Upamecano.

Other notable inclusions are England midfielder Jude Bellingham, Norway striker Erling Haaland, and Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha. However, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored three goals, was notably absent from the team after Portugal's exit in the Round of 16.

However, Cristiano Ronaldo, who scored three goals, did not make the team after Portugal exited the tournament in the Round of 16 following a 1-0 defeat to Spain.

— Article TextThis highlights a significant omission from the team, noting Cristiano Ronaldo's absence.

Mbappé's inclusion is attributed to his performance as the tournament's top scorer with 10 goals. He also provided four assists and registered 23 shots on target, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history and France's highest scorer in the competition. Messi was crucial to Argentina's journey to the final, contributing eight goals and four assists. Spain's Cucurella played every minute of their victorious campaign, providing two assists and helping the team maintain seven clean sheets. England's Bellingham was recognized for his role in their third-place finish, scoring seven goals and providing one assist.

Mbappé earned his place after finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 10 goals.

— Article TextThis explains the justification for Kylian Mbappé's inclusion in the team.
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Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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